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POEMS 

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Class ^S3^// 

Book • 7H6~(P6 



Copyright N". 



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COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



Poems 

By 

Arthur F. Fuller 



Authorlof 

By the Way, The Tale of a Soujourner 

A Man and His Neighbors 

Smiles and Tears of a Wanderer 

Short Stories 



Solar Literary & Music Bureau 

500 Last First Street 

Ft. Worth, Texas 



IV 1 



Copyright. 1909 
Arthur F. Fuller 



In Confidence 



COME, take me to your den, just now — 
That snug retreat from formal life — 
Where each thing seen doth SELF endow; 
Unhampered, free from sordid strife; 
Confusion there may reign supreme, 

But still the soul is not distrought — 
Is true and frank and self-sincere — 
Where time and space 'til day are nought. 



Come, take me to your private nook, 

And there unveil the thoughts herein; 
Between the covejs of this book 

Perchance some note to yours is kin, 
And you'll forget the steady grind 

Of daily toil and mental groove — 
Some solace for your heartaches find, 

And honest fellowship approve. 



Come, take me to your hallowed place, 

Where fervid prayers outspoken be 
Expressed with every pulsing thought — 

Unvarnished, simple — grandly free ! 
now receive your humble guest, 

And find yourself as sweet received — 
And thus your spirit will be blest — 

These Heart-Life rhymes be soon retrieved. 



Come, take me to your quiet nook, 

Make welcome there your humble guest- 
Mayhap within this modest book 

Awaits some germ of peace and rest; 
Some hint of grit may stir your blood — 

Your soul with fire and hope renew. 
And thus Tomorrow's sunny flood 

Bring confidence in Life — and YOU. 



I 



Memory's Solace 

BLESS Thee, Father Time, 

Despite thy varied pace, 
Thou'st let me know 

The sunshine of her face; 
And hence my woe-tried soul 

Can brave Tomorrow — 
Her sweetness Mem'ry stored — 

From thence I'll borrow. 

I bless thee, Mother Earth, 

Despite the changing years 
Thou'st held thine own 

And lost no grace by tears; 
And though, both Birth and Death 

Attend Tomorrow, 
A solace Mem'ry gives 

To quell man's sorrow. 



s 



Help Me To Win Her ! 

HINE, glorious sun— smile cloudless sky ! 

Babbling brook cry, tender breeze sigh; 
Plead, mighty ocean — you may stir 
Her heart, till I win her. 



Beam, hopeful face; look, sanguine eye; 

Bound, aspiring heart, at joyous pace. 
Exalted mind, her praise prefer — 

Lend thine aid to win her. 

For her all Nature sings a song. 

For her this glad world moves along- 
What raptures in her presence are ! 

Help me, Heav'n, to win her. 

Bedeck thyself with colors rare 

Dame Nature; make the world more fair ! 
Her soul expand — and she her hand. 

Shall yield, and I win her ! 

6 



Waitin' 



WHEN I see my darlin' comin' 
Through the rustlin' summer leaves, 
On the laden boughs a swingin', 
To the music of the breeze, 
Seems to me that folks MUST know it. 

An' I blush from top to toe. 
But I ain't ashamed to show it — 
That I luv my darlin' so. 



He's my Bonnie — he's my Laddie, 

He's my own soft-hearted John, 
An' he's strong an' kind an' honest, 

He's a true, good mother's son; 
I kin see his face a>-beamin', 

An' my soul is filled with glee, 
'Cause I see my darlin' comin', 

Comin' glad, an' STRAIGHT FOR ME. 



D 



Yearning 



EAR little maid with soul so true, 
Tell me how to be good to you; 
'Tis sweet to remember, and 
hard to forget. 
And say, little girl, regardest me yet ? 



Dear little maid with velvet hand, 
Show me the way to Fulfillment Strand; 

Give me the keynote, and teach me to sing, 
That over your soul a charm I may bring. 



Craving to know the things you'd prize — 
Longing to see as through your eyes, 

I'm ready to love whate'er you esteem, 
Meet you half way, and travel up-stream 

8 



Coziest maid that ever man knew, 

Hungry is this heart for you; 
how can I ever your favor attain, 

That night shall ne'er find me so lonely 
again ? 



Bonnie of person, dainty of mouth — 
Sweet as roses from the South, 

This homeless heart can know no rest, 
'Til anchor'd, welcome, on your breast. 



Dear little maid with soul so true, 
Tell me how to be good to you ! 

Oh how can I ever your favor attain, 
That night shall ne'er find me so lonely 
again ? 



M 



Impatience 

Y heart is full of yearning, 

Mine eyes are filled with tears; 
Wild thoughts my brain are 
thronging, 
No rest my spirit cheers. 



I hear thee, see thee, feel thee. 
At morn, at noon, at night; 

Thy winsome grace and lovely face. 
My soul fills with delight. 



The day is long and dreary. 
Though faithful smiles the sun; 

With grief my heart is weary — 
Would God the task were done I 



Ah, do not think I doubt Thee — 
'Tis simply hard to feel 

That bliss as great as having you 
Shall not be dreamed, but real. 

10 



o 



A Heart's Request 

TURN me not away, 

The quest has been so long — 
Life's way has been so hard, 

The tempest strong. 

Receive my aching heart. 
And let my spirit rest; 

Of all earth's roses fair 
Thou art the dearest, best. 



Take thou my loving hand. 

Hear my despairing cry; 
Life's bitter turn to sweet. 

And be thou ever nigh. 

do thou understand, 
My humble, ardent call; 

Open thy heart, thine arms. 
And love me "Best of All." 



11 



Dependence 

OWHAT is life but labor'd breath, 
And ceaseless strife from birth till 
death ? 
And what am I, that I should dare 
Expect to find a welcome there ? 
Yet dark indeed would be the way, 
Did Hope not whisper every day: 
"Strive on — and you shall surely find 
Your Counterpart among mankind ! " 

what is life ? A tear, a sigh, 

A swift caress, and then — "Good-byCj" 
Deny me not — our time is short — 

Earth's joys are of a sorry sort; 
And only love is worth the while 

Of care-worn mortals, pure or vile; 
All know their pain in every day, 

And need Love's sun to bright the way. 

12 



s 



Mother's Song 

I 
OFT the silver stars 

Nestle in Heaven's breast, 
Soft the mating birds 

Chirp to their cozy nest; 
Soft the fresh'ning dew 

Shines on each flower-head, 
Soft the Angel Hosts 
Watch o'er my baby's bed. 

II 

Kind the evening breeze 

Tenderly fans my dear. 
Kind, *"Tige's" mighty sighs 

Tells baby friends are near; 
Kind the father's kiss — 

Strong man so quick subdued. 
Kind the shrine of home 

With perfect love embued. 

13 



Ill 

Dream the dreams that bless — 

Life is a passing dream, 
Temp'ral things must end — 

So keep thy face a-beam; 
Time will make thee old — 

Keep thou thy trusting smile, 
God will love thee still. 

And keep thee all the while. 

REFRAIN 
"Goodnight" glows the sun, 

"Goodnight" laps the sea, 
mother's lamb 

Sleep peacefully; 
Smile, ever smile, 

And never cry — 
Be brave and be true — 

Lullaby, lullaby. 

Note— "Tige" referred to in the second verse is a St. Bernard 
dog, the constant companion of the baby-subject of the piece. 

14 



Father s Song 



SLEEP little atom of life, 
Shadows are lengthening fast- 
Twilight has come, 
The World is at home, 
The long day has finally passed; 

Now close your innocent eyes — 
Dear little form, be at rest — 

When n^ed shall appear, 
Your mother is near, 
We'll love you, and tend you the best. 



Rock-a-bye, hush-a-bye, 
Faithful watch we'll keep; 

Rock-a-bye, hush-a-bye, 
O precious off-spring sleep. 



15 



Sleep little motherless babe — 

Time brings its sorrows and strife; 
Death soon has come, 

And called mother Home, 
Your best friend — and my darling wife; 

growing image of her — 
Now must I cherish you more — 

Your mother's sweet soul 
Held heaven its goal, 

Her spirit will unction outpour. 



Rock-a-bye, hush-a-bye, 
Mem'ry, faith will keep; 

Mother's soul hovers near, 
To sing our grief to sleep. 



16 



Sunset 



MY sunset love is passing fair, 
The golden west illumes her hair; 
Sunbeams reluctant, sink to rest 
And make rare tints on the sea's broad breast. 

Her crown of glory is more grand 
Than regal crown of any land; 

Can this poor tongue her worth recite ? 
Describe her charm, my heart's delight ! 



My sunset love is wondrous sweet. 

My heart enslaved lies at her feet. 
'Tis joy to live, concieve and know 

God's boundless good for Man below. 
May this perverted world perceive. 

Though dull and dense it aye hath been, 
And yield the homage due her light. 

My sunset-love, good-night, good-night. 

17 



My sunset love hath eyes that shine 

With mildness, mercy— gifts divine, 
No evil things engage her thought— 

Of plot or plunder she knows naught; 
With her no games for bloody gold — 

Of selling souls and being sold, 
So, godly fair, and simply bright, 

Heav'n keep my sunset-love this night ! 



My sunset-love hath sunny hair 

That charms away my weary care; 
In her companionship I find 

Repair for body, soul and mind; 
Ah, all is well when love is near. 

To soothe and comfort, rest and cheer- 
Life and the West with gold are bright. 

My sunset-love, good-night, good-night. 



18 



My sunset-love hath pearly teeth, 

As sweet as new-mown hay her breath — 
Rose-petals form her dainty lips, 

My soul in fancy boldly sips 
The nectar of her kisses sweet; 

For her alone this heart doth beat — 
Her angel hands are soft and white. 

My sunset-love, good-night, good-night. 



My sunset-love's dear voice to me 

Is sweeter than a song-bird's glee — 
Ignoble impulse flees in shame 

At the mere mention of her name ! 
Her flesh is soft and firm; and grace 

Of movement, outline, give her place 
As queen of queens — vision bright ! 

My sunset-love, good-night, good-night. 



19 



And thus may you my love behold 

Templed Life, in Beauty's mold; 
Of all God's creatures, you'll agree, 

The fairest of the fair is she ! 
I cannot, would not think nor dream 

Of anything in Earth or Heav'n 
Save God and her, my life, my light. 

My sunset-love, good-night, good-night 




20 



Money 



MONEY— Money— Money— 
Once I sought the jinghng hoard- 
stuff, 
Heard its siren tinkle sounding, 

Felt the lust that makes men battle, 
Disregard all save achievement; 

Every muscle, nerve and talent, 
Bent to winning sordid treasures 

Scorning peace and homlier pleasures. 
Blinding eyes to Nature's doings. 

Deafening ears to song-bird's wooings. 
Longing, feverish, for that great hour. 

When should sound at their dictation 
Siren tones that conquer most men — 

Make them slaves as I have been. 



21 



Money — Money — Money — 

Well I knew its magic jingle, 
Sweet, elusive as its mother; 

Tameless, lawless, who may hold her ? 
Wings she taketh, swift and silent, 

Leaving subtly, without warning — 
Cruel as a woman's scorning. 

Money ! how the sound did lure me — 
Made me bow to my task-master. 

Fiercely guard each hard won vantage- 
Long it baffled my endeavors; 

But in time I gained the summit — 
Form-ed a gold-tide, watched the scramble- 
Made a test of what 'twould buy me. 



22 



Money — Money— Money — 

Disapproving frowns now vanished; 
Doors that had been closed, now opened — 

Haughty ways were changed to fawning; 
Strangers boasted long acquaintance, 

Pledged their everlasting friendship; 
Balls, receptions, in my honor. 

Signs of favor without number. 
Sped the time, fulfilled my longings. 

Turned such appetite to loathing; 
Satan laughing, scof;&ing, sneering, 

Watched the fall my hopes were taking; 
All this lacked the ring of true steel — 

Echoed only siren tinkle. 



23 



Money — Money — Money — 

When the silly, vapid laughter 
Died away and left me stranded, 

When the dance had turned to fool-play, 
And the dinners changed to hell-feasts. 

When I saw the drifting favor, 
Pierced the shallowness and pretense. 

Soft I heard a voice of music, 
Sounding like a voice from Heaven; 

Knew a hand-clasp, heard the joy-tone 
Of a heart's sincere devotion. 

Then I knew that gold and silver 
Bring no joy to feed the hunger 

Of a heart that yearns for trueness. 



24 



Money — Money — Money — 

Blessed be the day you left me — 
Now I laugh at Satan's luring; 

I have learned the truer values — 
Count my treasures in the tresses 

Gold as sunset — crowning glory 
Of a vision fair as wholesome — 

Mark the rubies of her rose lips, 
Love the turquois 'neath her lashes, 

Love the smile that shows her pearl teeth; 
Love the privilege of love-clasp, 

Love her graceful form, and yielding; 
Love her sweet ways, loving service. 

Love the blessing of her nearness. 



25 



Money— Money— Money — 
What a silly, teasing earth-god; 

Bringing discontent to thousands; 
Bribing, tempting, cursing many. 

Tinkle, tinkle, clinking silver- 
Chime your sweetest, yellow gold-stuffs, 

I have treasures far above you; 
Far more precious than you all. 

Tve a queen that knows my ardor, 
Loves my love and care and labor: 

Treasures, treasures, boundless, worthy; 
Here my whole heart glad, enslaved is: 

Here my jewels, gold and silver; 
Life flows peaceful as a river. 



26 



Her Irretrievable Mistake 

I KNOW that thine was a vehement love, 
I knew my beauty woke it into Hfe, 
And could have bought a life of heaven 
with you, 
My noble hearted lover, steadfast true; 
Ease, luxury, all the world deems superfine, 
Enticed me, darling, from your love away. 
The praise of many, rather than of one, 
Intoxicated, lured me till I chose. 

I know I took the sunlight from your life. 
The darkness made thy nature grope and droop, 

Till crushed and bleeding thy patient spirit. 
Returned again to the God who gave it. 

I chose the husks — forsook the grain so rare; 
Exchanged for a yoke of love a cross of care. 

My heart, my life is empty; and I cry 
"To gain the world and lose love, is to die ! " 

27 



I know thy soul is in that Paradise, 

Where I trust is comfort for thy mourning — 
I am not worthy, having spurn'd your love — 

That you should even pity me, my king; 
I have drained the cup I preferred to take — 

Its phantom sweets were bitter without love — 
If you were only here — but you are gone ! 

God of Heaven, why has this come to pass? 

The world still says that I am beautiful, 

With lustrous, wistful, liquid eyes so deep — 
With dimpling cheek and figure fair to see — 

Would God these charms could bring you 
back to me ! 
cruel fate ! tender memories ! 

gentle hands ! voice of yearning, 
Which called me and I would not hear, 
Dear Love, 

My peace, my rest, my soul are gone with you. 



28 



An Undying Grief 

ONE day you let me take your hand so 
white, 
Your lustrous eyes assured me that I 
might; 
I kissed it and my story told, 

Of love-starved life, and heart-ache old; 
Felt honored and favored that I should be 

Blessed with your sweet sympathy; 
By your mercy only, worthy to be near, 
A woman wholesome, sweet, and so sincere. 

One day you let my arm slip 'round your waist, 

As through the fragrant woods old paths 
we traced; 
I humbly questioned if 'twere true. 

That I was walking there with you; 
And thrilled in happy awe to hear. 

Your soft assurance we were near, 
Ah, how fond recollections make one sigh, 

For departed pleasures and days gone by. 

29 



One day you let me lay my weary head 

Upon your breast — a place so sacred, 
A pillow sweet. I recall how 

Your dear hands smoothed the hair from 
my brow; 
Your rose-breath above me, the rise and fall 

Of your bosom banished all 
Heartache and fear; what cheer 

Lullaby-haven, resting place dear. 

One day you let me take you in my arms — 

One day when I succombed to your charms; 
Your graceful form so yielding, soft — 

Rapturous moments ! blissful contact ! 
I felt that HAVING YOU, life's labors, strife, 

Were blest means of wearying 
That I might know the sweetness of your REST; 

And EVERYTHING worth while, my dearest, 
best! 



30 



One day the sun grew dark, the Hght went out; 

Earth echoed my heart's desolation; 
Shrieking winds, through winter-stripped 
trees — 

The wolf-howl, the owl-screech — yea these 
Blood-chilling sounds, but HINT of the anguish 

That freezes my heart ! MY GOD— 
Why can't I die ? My JOY, my REST are gone. 

And I must face Life desolate, alone ! 




31 



Lost! 

THOU didst not please to choose me thy 
companion, 
And make our lives one endless 
summer day; 
Pledged life of care-free ease was our undoing — 
All paths are rough if love smooth's not the 
way; 
As long as life shall last I will remember 

The happy fleeting hours I've spent with you; 
There is nowhere for me to flee for comfort — 
In lonely grief I'll tread life's journey through. 

So a sigh for you, and a sigh for me, 
And a prayer for grace through grief to 
smile; 

A tear for the bliss we ne'er may know — 
say little girl what IS worth while ? 



32 



What mad delight were mine had I but won 
you, 
And Oh, how kind and thoughtful I'd have 
been ! 
I'd ne'er have changed with time, but always 
cherished. 
Till reaper Death my sheaves should gather 
in; 
The beauteous flowers bedeck the summer 
meadows, 
And birds to heav'n their songs of love 
outpour. 
But what is beauty, perfume, song or riches, 
If Love hath taken flight forevermore ? 



So a sigh for you, and a sigh for me, 
Athd a prayer for grace through pain to 
smile; 

A sob for the bliss we ne'er shall know — 
Oh say, little love, what IS worth while ? 



33 



Twilight 



AT last the tedious day is at an end — 
The long cool shadows hush the world 
to calm; 
The grateful quietude of twilight hours, 
Distills o'er tired earth its restful balm. 



From out the clovered meadows' misty depths, 
The loving kine come slowly into sight; 

The circling swallows chirp their vesper hymn, 
And hoof and feather seem to welcome 
night. 



Anon the frogs in lusty chorus make 
Response to creeky solos from the trees; 

The risen moon his calm approval smiles 
To star-lamps all in place, and earth at ease. 



34 



"Bud" 

I KNOW a little nigger boy 
By the name of "Bud"— 
He chaws the worst tobacco 
And keeps close friends with mud; 
His face is always dirty, 

His clothes are far from clean, 
And such a rakish fellow 
Your eyes have never seen. 



And more about this nigger-boy 

Fm really bound to tell, 
For he's a sort of crittur 

That folks like none too well; 
Perhaps you'll thus see clearly, 

Just what his failings are, 
And hitch your better notions 

To a higher moving star. 



35 



This fellow 's mighty lazy 

An' sleeps most all the time — 
Except when grub or mischief 

Invite his senses fine; 
The hair is black and kinky 

That caps his bullet head— 
His loose mouth shows his "ivories" — 

A beauty-mark, 'tis said ! 



This sorry little nigger-boy 

Is never seen at school, 
But you can often find him 

Watchin' men play pool; 
To skip off, an' go fishin', 

He'd even miss a meal — 
His tongue is glib at lyin', 

And his fingers quick to steal. 



36 



This sorry little nigger-boy 

Is sowing brambles now, 
And as the path gets rougher, 

He'll wonder why, and how ! 
Twere foolishness to tell him 

That ease is NOTHINGNESS— 
And Manhood comes from EFFORT- 

Plus joys he'd never guess. 



This sorry little nigger-boy 

Had ne'er a chance like you, 
And shiftlessness can never bring 

Results both good and true; 
So hitch your wagon boldly 

To a higher moving star, 
And let your best ambitions 

Sail proudly out afar. 



37 



Thy Face 



O 



'ER hill and vale the rising sun, 

The gloom of night doth chase — 
So care and grief now flee before 
Thy sweet and holy face. 




38 



Y 



A Picture 

OUR limpid eyes with kindness glow, 
Your voice is soft and sweet; 

Your gentle ways refinement show, 
And make your charms complete. 



Your rose-lips, damp with honey-dew, 

My heart with yearnings fill; 
While precious dreams of home and you, 

My soul with rapture thrill. 

Your tap'ring arms so round and white. 
So soft and warm your breasts — 

My hungry heart swells with delight. 
And now contented rests. 

Tis sweet to hold your dainty hands. 

In quietude's retreat, 
While coming thence at joyous pace, 

I praise thy flying feet. 

39 



Your many gifts and faults so few, 

Your cultivated powers 
Assure appreciation true, 

And coming pleasant hours. 



Holy that temple, top to toe, 

In palace or lowly cot — 
Though miles divide, I humbly pray. 

That thou forget me not. 




40 



T 



My Little Comforter 



HE gusty wind moaned sad and chill, 
The autumn sky was gray; 

But love can warm a longing heart, 
To hasten all the way. 



Her dear eyes with fulfillment shone- 
I clasped her to my breast — 

And on her soft, responsive lips, 
A lover's kiss I pressed. 



How fast our happiest hours flash by: 

How deep is human bliss: 
In hours of woe, let's not forget 

The joys we did not miss. 



41 



We talked, we laughed, we sung, we dreamed, 

Our inner-selves communed; 
The future full of promise, seemed 

To music sweet, attuned. 

I know not if her throbbing heart, 

Shall beat again on mine. 
Or if her glowing face on me 

Will beam with love divine: 

I know not if these hungry arms 

Her form again shall hold — 
Nor if her clinging clasp shall me 

Within its circle fold: 

Though disappointments strew the way, 

And adverse things occur. 
Life's crazy patch-work^s worth the while, 

Through comfort wrought by her. 



42 



At Parting 

O WARDEN fair, of treasures rare, 
For thee my heart is bleeding— 
maiden sweet, at thy dear feet, 
I still am humbly pleading; 
But cruel is the circumstance 

That lets aught come between us, 
I let thee go— thou will'st it so — 
And strife shall not demean us. 



Good-bye to thee — good-bye to hope — 

To all that heart could long for; 
Life's rosey day hath flown away, 

And left me much to mourn for ; 
The music of the birds and streams. 

The perfume of the roses. 
Are fraught for me, with thoughts of thee- 

Eve's dream of morn now closes. 



43 



The night creeps on — its subtle chill 

Within my heart is stealing — 
For light was dear, and love was sweet, 

A heav'n of bliss revealing. 
But thou wert far, so far from me — 

Love could not bridge the distance ; 
So I go on — Woe's prisoner — 

For useless is resistance ! 




44 



Disappointment 



THEY said that years would bring me joy — 
And years indeed have quickly flown; 
But Where's the bliss without alloy? 
The treasures I should call mine own? 
And Where's the silver to the clouds, 
The harvest for the labor wrought? 
And Where's the comfort that I dreamed, 
Would sure be mine, if bravely sought? 



I'm hungry for a little love— 
I thirst for that I deem my right; 

My grief-worn heart its sigh exhales. 
And yearneth for you day and night! 



45 



The ocean, in majestic turn, 

Sends foam-capp'd waves from shore to 
shore — 
As ceaseless in my lonely heart 

Arise Hope's ghosts forevermore. 
Ah, sad the smile that hides the wrecks— 

The clinging clasp would fain retain — 
For God in heaven only knows 

If even Dreams may come again! 



I'm hungry for a little love — 
I thirst for that I deem my right; 

My trembling soul in anguish waits, 
And craves response through day and 
night. 



46 



s 



Since Thou Art Gone 

INCE thou art gone, the restful sky, 

Hath lost its lovely blue, 
No more have bells a thrilling sound. 

Nor flower's a charming hue. 

Since thou art gone— this body seems 

A worthless mass of clay — 
Life's endless round, but horrid dreams, 

That keep Friend Death away. 



Since thou art gone, I wait and wait. 

And listen all the while, 
Yearning again thy step to hear, 

And see thy loving smile. 

Since thou art gone,— if God there be, 
That heedeth human grief — 

He'll soon call thence my mangled soul. 
And send the grave's relief. 



47 



Since thou art gone, I grope, I fall, 

I wonder who I am, 
And what existence here is for, 

And what the end of Man? 

Since thou art gone — O Faith, stand by! 

Oh, leave me not alone — 
There IS a God — He'll hear my cry — 

And some day call me Home. 

Home — where moth and rust eat not. 
Nor thieves break in and steal — 

Where mortal woes are all forgot, 
And Christ all wounds doth heal. 



48 



"Aunt Susie's" Birthday Party 

THE world's eternal course brings year 
on year — 
Summers of buoyant life, winters so 
bleak and sere; 
The thirty-eighth mile-post I'll pass today, 
But my blood is warm and my heart is gay; 
My five years' teaching of dear "Class Ten", 
Has made me happy and young again — 
Its twenty-six members — I'll carve each name 
In mem'ry's sacred Hall of Fame. 

With joy I gaze into each beaming face, 

And love this source of courage for life's race. 

And hope eaeh heart has found some pow'r, 

Some faith, new-born each searching hour — 

The influence here spread forth, a stay 

To cheer to noble acts the strenuous day — 

The mighty truths sincerely taught 

The Good Book's news — salvation bought. 



49 



Thus your "Aunt Susie's" heart is full today, 
It brims with love and joy, and now would pay 
A tribute to God, who gives all good — 
Our friends, our raiment and our food; 
So girls and boys, we've gathered here 
To take this feast and quaff this cheer — 
For innooent pleasure is ne'er amiss, 
And Saints need have no shame for this. 




50 



The Vacation Problem 

THE summer days again are here, 
And make one glad vacation's near; 
Where best to spend it who can know? 
The hst of places seems to grow; 
Attractions varied, promise charms. 
At sea shore points, and inland farms; 
Now better not in haste decide — 
Regrets might then the spirit chide. 

Resorts along the sea's cool shore 
Claim sports peculiar by the score; 
The white-brimmed waves' majestic roll 
Makes music for a pleasant stroll; 
The salt-breeze proves a tonic fine, 
And fish respond to hook and line; 
Again returns the appetite, 
And life seems bursting with delight: 



51 



At night the band makes music sweet. 
And those who dance find joy com 
The drift-wood bonfire's ruddy glow 
Makes ghostly shadows come and go; 
The "clam-bake" parties laugh and sing 
'Til sea and earth and welkin ring — 
No grinding cares their minds infest, 
And mirth swells every heaving breast. 



Convention's rules are set aside, 
Flirtation there, but few deride; 
Voluptuous sights oft meet the gaze — 
Restraint seems scarce a voice to raise — 
Extravagance seems quite the thing; 
And hard-earned savings soon take wing; 
Yet lack of means is ne'er confessed— 
The home-trail's shown to such distressed. 



52 



E'en dreams of this may fascinate — 
Such times are good to contemplate — 
But pause a moment — thus be fair, 
Let inland life its charms declare: 
The curse of this, our modern way. 
Is rushing through life's passing day — 
For stimulation calls for more. 
And beggars Nature's bounteous store. 



Here flowers bloom in mossy dell, 
And song-birds unmolested dwell. 
While fruited bush and leafy tree 
Make overtures so restfully; 
The city's din is now forgot — 
All seem contented with their lot — 
The war for gain seems useless strife. 
For all Man's needs, earth's harvest's rife. 



53 



One ponders on an early day, 
When men lived in an easier way — 
When there was much less to be done 
Twixt early morn and setting sun; 
These hardy men — their hearts were true, 
But books and luxuries were few — 
That out-door life full vigor lent — 
In simple rounds their days they spent. 



Their guns unwritten laws enforced, 
For honor in their blood-veins coursed — 
Their wives were loyal helpmates, too, 
And kept the vows their whole lives through; 
The landlord knows some thrilling tales, 
And thus his guest he oft regales— 
The twilight hours too soon are past. 
And sleep must claim its own at last. 



54 



Tis hard indeed to make a choice, 
Since both their claims have given voice- 
The inland mountains, rivers, farms, 
Are quite as great as seashore charms; 
Just toss up a coin, and then abide 
By its chance fall — and thus decide! 
But it's very expensive far to roam, 
So better be wise and stay at home. 




55 



RELIGIOUS POLM5 



"I Will" 

BROTHER, life's day is short- 
Eternity has no end; 
You should claim salvation now, 
Judgment day you'll need a Friend; 
Jesus gave His blood for you, 
Jesus is a friend who's true; 
Brother, how can you stay? 
Renounce the world and say: 

REFRAIN 

I WILL heed the Saviour's knock, 

And become one of his flock; 
If He will forgive the past, 

With the Cross my lot I'll cast; 
I WILL take the manly stand. 

Turn from sin, do God's command, 
I WILL answer while I may— 

I WILL yield my soul today. 



59 



Jesus is at the door — 

fail not to let him in; 
You should take Him for your guide, 

It is death to live in sin; 
You cannot be saved by tears, 

Give no mind to mortal fears; 
Trust Him and strive and pray, 

Come up, dear soul, and say: 

"I WILL", etc. 

Satan will strive to hold — 

His triumph is now at stake; 
Every day his fetters grow. 

Break them while you've power to break; 
Say not, you are free from sin — 

Mortal man has never been; 
Vaunt not your pride today. 

Take sides with Christ, and say: 

'*! WILL", etc. 
60 



How Many Voices Call 

I 

HOW many voices call — 
How long 'till you will heed? 
Your loving mother wrings her hands- 
In anguish prays to prove your need; 
She knows, as you will one day know, 

The baubles you so madly chase, 
Are empty, vapid, dying things, 
That rob of Hope, and spoil life's race. 

CHORUS 

From Calv'ry's cruel Tree, 
The gentle Saviour calls you; 

" Your soul is sinking, sick and sore — 
Accept, and live forevermore! " 



61 



II 

How many voices call — 

O'er hill, o'er vale, o'er plain, 
Christ's Living Ministry who preach 

Good news of peace, and joy again; 
Awake and claim your heritage. 

For shame! that you have scorned so long 
His love — 'twill give you all that's good 

And fill your life with light and song. 
CHORUS 

III 

How many voices call — 

The patient, Heav'nly Dove, 
The Holy Spirit ceaseless strives 

To make men know God's wondrous love; 
Ah, not forever will He plead 

And strain to storm your hard'ning heart. 
The next time may be time TOO LATE, 

And of Salvation, GONE— your part! 
CHORUS 
62 



The Gospel Train 

I 

WHERE are you going trav'ler? 
The night is wild and dark— 
The road has many pitfalls, 
And woe each step will mark; 
Stranger, go no farther 
Without a trusty Guide, 
Calamities await you, 
Without Him by your side. 

CHORUS 
"All aboard— all aboard!" 

The warning words sound clear, 
"All aboard— all aboard! " 

The leaving time is here; 
No more trains — this the last! 

Get your ticket, quick decide — 
Arguing time now is past, 

In heav'n or hell abide! 

63 



II 

There is one name under heaven, 

Whereby you can be saved, 
'Tis certain Transportation 

To where streets gold are paved; 
Its Owner gives you solace 

For every earthly woe, 
With trust and peace surrounds you, 

Wherever you may go. 

Ill 

Then come and know the Saviour 

Before it is too late. 
Come now and claim Salvation 

While there's an open gate; 
Come quick! the bell is ringing, 

The Gospel Train may go, 
do not wait, my brother. 

Eternal Death to know. 



64 



O What Is Man 



I SAT me down by the wayside 
To watch the passing throng 
And guess at the varied inf rests 
That moved each one along. 
I saw the young and simple 

That flirt in wanton glee— 
The hurrying man of business, 
As serious as could be. 

I sat me down by the wayside 

To note the crowd and din, 
Where haste keeps ever silent 

The still, small voice within; 
For minds that brim with conquest 

Forget what's right and wrong— 
And hearts that seethe with lustings, 

Unreasoning, drift along. 



65 



Behold th' approaching master! 

With pompous ways supreme- 
Perhaps he's just created 

A Universe, I ween! 
Now what is God beside him 

Who struts so proud and chill- 
Omnipotence is nothing 

When one has Power to Will! 



vaunting, crumbling castle, 

sod that stalks so fine — 
Where didst thou get thy power, 

Thy intellect sublime? 
Well friend, just let me tell thee 

A Truth that thou shouldst know- 
Thou mayst be wise and mighty, 

But siich had e'en to grow. 



66 



Now listen, self-fooled debtor, 

And learn this lesson well — 
There's nothing so important 

As keeping out of hell; 
Too late thou mayst discover 

Some Laws must honored be — 
No man has e'er escaped them — 

To this thou must agree. 



No thing was e'er created 

By man, and man alone — 
The very thought thou thinkest, 

God gives thee now to own; 
Conception is receiving 

And fosteringy law on law. 
The thought which God created 

And full fruition saw. 



67 



All Power that was, or is, sir, 

Or may seem given birth, 
Comes straight from God Almighty, 

Be it in heav'n or earth; 
Then be not quite so haughty, 

But choose a lowly place — 
Humility becomes ue 

Who live but by His grace. 




Prayer 

ONCE more, our heav'nly Father, 
We come to worship Thee— 
Confess our sins and failures, 
And ask Thy pardon free; 
Thy love hath gently led us 

Thus far upon our way, 
draw us ever closer 
To yon eternal Day. 

II 

holy, patient Father, 

loving, pitying Son, 
Rejoice we now and ever 

For all that thou hast done; 
The Peace which thou hast given 

Is ours by day, by night. 
And death is but a tunnel 

That ends in joy and light. 



'|>CT 14190^ 



DEL. TO CAT. OIV. 

NOV 6 J9uy 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

020 994 467 4 



^v.' ^* 



